Reducing the size of heat pumps in hybrid energy centres can cut carbon and capital costs dramatically – but what ratio of heat should they supply? Research by FairHeat’s Ellie Hiscock used hourly load modelling to come up with a rule of thumb for the optimal heat ratios for heat pumps and thermal storage with electric boilers
Category: Technical
Lighting’s critical role in healthcare
As well as minimising infection risk, the big trend in healthcare lighting is circadian lighting. HDR’s Karen Murphy looks at the latest research
Phased approach: optimising heat networks
The government’s new Heat Network Optimisation Guide aims to improve the performance of existing networks by rigorously analysing performance and making cost-effective interventions that maximise efficiency. Alex Smith reports
Beauty in standardisation: Travis Perkins’ digital plan to decarbonise housebuilding
Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital design platform allows housebuilders to deliver efficient, repeatable housing to the latest sustainability standards, and includes prefabricated heat pump systems. Alex Smith reports
Case study: Comberton Village College heat network
The installation of a new heat network at Comberton Village College is set to significantly reduce the heating bill and save 248 tonnes of CO2. Andy Pearson speaks to Bouygues Energies & Services about how two 500kW ground source heat pumps replaced oil-fired boilers scattered across 16 plantrooms
Protecting building occupants from wildfire smoke
With wildfires recognised as an ‘emergent risk’ in the UK, what can be done to HVAC systems to mitigate the impact on the health of people in buildings? Phil Lattimore looks at the worldwide effect of wildfire smoke
Fire and façades: key guidance
To ensure the fire safety of building façades, designers should pay special attention to firestopping. CWCT’s David Metcalfe highlights the latest guidance on this key area and rounds up the most recent information on designing fire-safe façades
A recipe for good IAQ: the impact of cooking and cleaning on indoor environments
Indoor air pollution caused by cooking and cleaning poses a significant health risk, yet regulations focus on outdoor air quality. Now a new project has shed light on the complex chemistry behind these activities. By Nicola Carslaw, Helen Davies and Benjamin Jones
A frozen fix: cold thermal energy storage
A patented cold thermal energy storage system from O-Hx uses ice slurry to increase the efficiency of chillers. The company’s Bob Long says a pilot scheme at a drug facility shows 27% operational cost savings
Hospital ventilation: can air purification systems provide relief?
Poor ventilation has been identified as a contributing factor to Covid-19 transmission in NHS hospitals. In seeking solutions, a study by Lewis Turner found that, while air purification systems reduce infection risk, they should only be used when mechanical ventilation is not available. Tim Dwyer reports